I was speaking with a friend recently about work and my "personal improvement program" (we speak regularly about such things) and he mentioned a book "Younger Next Year" by Chris Crowley (the "patient") and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (The "Doctor").

The two take turns, each with their own chapters, Chris on his experiences and thoughts on improving his physical and mental well-being later in life, and Harry (Henry) providing information on the medical stuff going on. Overall, a good book. However, Chris gets a bit carried away about the benefits of red wine that have been "proven" by numerous studies - studies, which I believe are now being questioned because reformed alcoholics were included (ie. - they're now non-consumers of alcohol but their health has already been compromised) and have likely skewed the results. A better conclusion on red wine, or any alcohol in moderation, is that it does not make any difference to overall health.

Harry uses concepts of the brain that I found quite interesting. He contends that only physical input can provide information to our "physical" (primitive, reptilian) brain and it adapts accordingly. So, exercise basically tells the brain how to act, based on our evolution - like when humans were still hunter gatherers - not how we have lived for the past 200 years. Consequently, he links our current lifestyles to our current issues such as obesity, because of how our primitive brain reacts to our type and levels of activity.

Today's walk - 5.9kms; 59 mins; temp 19c (at 6:10am!)